Reading Passage Question
History gives a cruel experience of human nature, in showing how exactly the regard due to the life, possessions, and entire earthly happiness of any class of persons, was measured by what they had the power of enforcing; how all who made any resistance to authorities that had arms in their hands, however dreadful might be the provocation, had not only the law of force but all other laws, and all the notions of social obligation against them; and in the eyes of those whom they resisted, were not only guilty of crime, but of the worst of all crimes, deserving the most cruel chastisement which human beings could inflict. The first small vestige of a feeling of obligation in a superior to acknowledge any right in inferiors began when he had been induced, for convenience, to make some promise to them. Though these promises, even when sanctioned by the most solemn oaths, were for many ages revoked or violated on the most trifling provocation or temptation, it is probable that this, except by persons of still worse than average morality, was seldom done without some twinges of conscience.
“History gives a cruel experience of human nature,”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.
This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 2 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.
Solution and Explanation
- The author implies that laws are based on
- the necessity of protecting the weakest members of a society.
- the interests of those in a society who possess the most power.
- the notions of social obligation that are passed from generation to generation.
- promises made to those without power by those with the most power.
- the belief that “earthly happiness” is the right of everyone in society, including those who resist authority.
Answer: B
Explanation: The author mentions that history provides a cruel view of human nature. He demonstrates how the respect owed to a class of people's life, property, and overall happiness on earth was measured by what they had the power of enforcing. How those who resisted against authorities who had arms in their hands, no matter how terrible the provocation. Had not only the law of force but also all other laws and all notions of social obligation against them; and in the eyes of those who looked down on them.
- The author of this passage would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?
- In order to prevent chaos in a society, authority must be strong and unquestioned.
- All men, whether weak or strong, desire justice in their dealings with others.
- Social obligation is the most important factor ensuring protection of the weak by the strong.
- Rights are granted to those without power when to do so will benefit those with power.
- In the past, when rights have been granted to people, only the most extreme circumstances have led to their being rescinded.
Answer: D
Explanation: According to the passage, when a superior was forced into making a pledge to inferiors out of convenience. The first faint traces of a duty to recognise any right in them emerged. Even while these promises, even those backed by the most serious oaths were for ages revoked. Or violated at the first provocation or temptation. It is likely that, save for those with moral standards even lower than the norm, these actions were rarely taken without some pangs of remorse.
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